Read the Spanish translation of this article.
The New Mexico State University men’s volleyball team is reestablishing the sport in the college atmosphere for current and future Aggies in the years to come.
Bouncing back from a two-year hiatus, NMSU men’s volleyball is back this spring semester. Often found grinding away in the gym before the sunrise, they are reestablishing a presence around campus and online, including having to reach out to other teams and build their own game schedule.
Team member Darian Herrera oversees the team’s social media and manages their schedule by contacting other teams to arrange scrimmages, games, and tournaments.
NMSU men’s volleyball is seeing an increase in interested teams, creating hope for a fuller schedule in the next fall semester.
As with most club sports and teams at NMSU that are unaffiliated with the NCAA, funding has posed an issue for the team.
NMSU men’s volleyball has faced struggles with funding for uniforms, equipment, and tournament entry fees.
For the sport itself, clear differences like higher nets and harder ball material set the sport apart from women’s volleyball. Beyond these physical differences, social stereotypes have further separated the two.
“This isn’t necessarily a super popular sport in New Mexico or in the U.S. for men in general,” Coach Jared Larson said. “So, it can be kind of scary to step into what, quote, unquote, was a ‘female sport,’ so that takes a lot.”
Larson remarks that watching the unique mix of player personalities interact has been a highlight of coaching and gave praise to those on the team for participating and taking the initiative to compete.
“I feel like we have a pretty good team chemistry and team rapport. Obviously, we’re always [adding] a few new people here or there, but I think it’s been great,” Larson said.
The team’s connection is agreed upon by players, with a few saying that although occasional competitive bickering is common, they remain close-knit.
When faced against another team on the court, their competitive spirit towards one another makes its appearance.
Not only are team members competing against themselves to land a spot on the roster and gain playing time, but also strategizing against opponents and finding weak spots, highlighting the mental and mindset aspect of volleyball.
The team has high hopes for the future, pioneering a path for players in the coming years. With their resurgence on campus, the team’s hopes to introduce men’s volleyball in the area is stronger than ever.
“I think that men’s volleyball is not as out there as women’s volleyball is,” Herrera said. And hopefully not just for, like, us as a team, but hopefully for the future generation that come up, it’ll be an actual sport, possibly sanctioned by [NCAA] or the high schools in New Mexico.”
The team fosters many different levels of skill and welcomes those interested in giving the sport a try.
“[It] encourages those who are curious not to hesitate,” player Jayden Ortiz said. “There’s never a best time for something. Just do it.”
More information about the team’s upcoming games can be found on their Instagram page: @nmstatemensvb.
![Group leaders [left to right] Jacarthie Brazil, Kira Baum, Carter-Elise Keating, and Abby Watkins pose for a picture after a successful interview. April 21, 2026.](https://nmsuroundup.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/01_AnnaB_Health-Club_LowRes.jpg)
